PM Starmer pledges 12 nuclear-powered subs and £15bn for warheads in sweeping defence upgrade

Britain is preparing to build up to 12 new attack submarines as part of a sweeping overhaul of its armed forces, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer set to unveil the plans in a landmark Strategic Defence Review on Monday.

The announcement will mark the biggest naval build in decades, with the new SSN-AUKUS submarines replacing the Astute-class fleet from the late 2030s. Nuclear-powered but conventionally armed, the new vessels are designed to bolster UK and NATO capabilities far into the future.

The review, commissioned by Labour and led by former defence secretary Lord Robertson, comes at a time of mounting geopolitical instability. With Russian aggression intensifying, Defence Secretary John Healey declared the country must move to “warfighting readiness”.

“These submarines will help keep Britain and NATO safe for decades,” Starmer will say, reaffirming Labour’s commitment to national security and to delivering the Dreadnought class—the future backbone of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the SSN-AUKUS programme, developed in collaboration with Australia, will support 30,000 jobs into the 2030s, with thousands more apprenticeships and graduate roles to follow.

In addition to the submarines, Starmer is expected to announce a £15 billion investment in modernising the UK’s nuclear warheads, ensuring the continuous-at-sea deterrent remains intact. This will support the existing Trident missile system aboard Vanguard-class submarines, which the Dreadnought class will replace from the early 2030s.

The full defence review will include 62 recommendations, all of which the government is expected to accept. Key commitments include:

• £1.5 billion to build six new munitions factories to create an “always-on” production line
  
• Up to 7,000 long-range weapons, including missiles and drones, have been produced in the UK
  
• Creation of a Cyber and Electromagnetic Command to strengthen digital and electronic warfare capabilities
  
• An extra £1.5 billion for military housing repairs
  
• £1 billion in advanced battlefield tech, including rapid targeting systems
  

Healey has confirmed that increasing the Army’s size is not a near-term goal. Instead, he aims to reverse a recruitment slide and return to 73,000 full-time soldiers in the next Parliament.

Though ambitious, the plans have drawn scepticism. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge accused Labour of offering “a wishlist without a wallet” unless firm budget details follow. With Starmer committed to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, critics argue it won’t be enough.

Healey insists the 3% target will be hit by 2034, but pressure is growing, particularly from NATO and US President Donald Trump, who want European allies to shoulder more of the alliance’s burden. NATO’s incoming secretary-general, Mark Rutte, has even suggested member nations spend 3.5% on defence and another 1.5% on related industries.

Britain currently spends around 2.3% of its GDP on defence. While Starmer has pledged to make the UK NATO’s leading European power, several allies already outspend Britain in raw military terms.

The submarine plan also reaffirms the UK’s continued commitment to nuclear deterrence, even as it remains costly and controversial. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise already eats up 20% of the MoD’s total budget.

The last submarine in the Astute-class, HMS Agamemnon, was launched last October, with a seventh still under construction. The SSN-AUKUS fleet will be faster, stealthier, and carry advanced weaponry and surveillance capabilities.

As global tensions rise and Britain reasserts itself as a maritime power, the question remains: will these bold ambitions survive the next spending round or fall to the same underfunding that has plagued past reviews?

THE GUARDIAN

Britain’s latest defence review warns the UK must prepare for potential war in Europe or the Atlantic, calling for “war-fighting readiness” amid rising global threats, particularly from Russia. The 130-page report, led by ex-NATO chief Lord Robertson, urges increased arms stockpiles and critical infrastructure protection but confirms the army will not expand before the next election due to recruitment and funding shortfalls.

Defence Secretary John Healey admitted troop numbers remain below target, with more personnel leaving than joining. The review sets a long-term aim to grow the military post-2029, and proposes 62 recommendations including a new volunteer Home Guard, £15bn investment in nuclear weapons production, and construction of 12 nuclear submarines under the Aukus pact.

The review describes Russia as an “immediate” threat and China as a persistent challenger. While spending remains steady for now, defence budgets are expected to rise, with NATO leaders soon discussing a 5% GDP target.

GOV.UK

The UK government will invest £1.5 billion to construct at least six new munitions and energetics factories and procure up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons under the Strategic Defence Review. The move will create over 1,800 jobs and support national security while driving economic growth through defence spending.

The review outlines a shift to an “always-on” munitions production model, allowing rapid scaling in response to future conflict. Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s war, the initiative aims to strengthen British warfighting readiness and industrial resilience, increasing the munitions budget to £6 billion this Parliament.

Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves framed the plan as a dual effort to boost security and economic opportunity. Factories will produce critical components like explosives and propellants, ensuring supply chains for high-tempo warfare. The strategy positions the UK as a stronger NATO ally while underpinning the government’s “Plan for Change.”